NASA Selects Bombardier Flexjet to Provide Fractional
Business Jet Transportation
ORLANDO, FLORIDA--SEPTEMBER 9, 2002 - 16:21 EDT
Agreement marks first U.S. Government use of a fractional aircraft
ownership program
Bombardier Flexjet(R), the premier fractional ownership program of
Bombardier Aerospace, is pleased to announce that the National
Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) has selected Bombardier
Flexjet to provide a two-year test of fractional business jet
services. This landmark decision marks the first time that the
U.S. Government has utilized a fractional aircraft ownership
program.
The U.S. Congress commissioned a two-year test program for NASA to
evaluate the potential that a fractional ownership program might
provide in terms of operational flexibility and cost-savings. The
program provides NASA with a 1/2 share of a Bombardier Learjet(R)
31A aircraft and a 1/16 share of a Bombardier Learjet 60, equating
to approximately 450 flight hours per year.
NASA conducted a rigorous and competitive review of the major
fractional aircraft providers before selecting Bombardier Flexjet.
The agency reviewed the quality and reliability of the aircraft
offered, crew hiring and training practices, aircraft maintenance
programs, flight operation and scheduling systems as well as
safety records and overall value.
Gene Cernan, Apollo 17 astronaut and the last man to walk on the
moon, was instrumental in assisting Bombardier Flexjet to develop
a comprehensive program that meets the stringent security
requirements and time-sensitive transportation needs of NASA
personnel.
"After an in-depth study, NASA determined that Bombardier Flexjet
has one of the best safety and systems infrastructure in the
industry," said Mr. Cernan. "Like NASA, Bombardier Flexjet has the
proven ability to anticipate potential problems and undertake
immediate corrective measures, which is the true measure of any
safety program. All pilots are trained to FAA Air Carrier
Standards, and Bombardier Flexjet has demonstrated that it can
accommodate even the most demanding scheduling requests. NASA will
have the support of a fully integrated team that operates on a
'zero tolerance' for any deviation from prescribed requirements."
As a member of the Bombardier Flexjet/NASA oversight committee,
Mr. Cernan will continue to champion the program and guide the
operational needs of NASA.
"NASA recognized that in selecting Flexjet they would have the
full resources and support of Bombardier Aerospace behind them,"
said Clifford Dickman, president, Bombardier Flexjet. "All areas
of our company are committed to providing NASA with the same high
standards of safety, quality and all Flexjet owners enjoy," added
Mr. Dickman.
The two-year test program provides NASA with around-the-clock
private jet transport service utilizing Flexjet's fleet of
Bombardier Learjet and Challenger(R) aircraft. As part of the
two-year program, Flexjet also will provide a dedicated NASA Desk
and Team, to be available on a 24-hour, seven days a week basis,
to ensure that NASA receives a personalized approach to mission
planning, execution and follow-up. The Flexjet NASA Desk will
stand ready to provide flight details, respond to special
requests, provide route updates and facilitate in-flight
communications, if required.
Bombardier Flexjet's consistent commitment to quality and safety
has been widely recognized by aircraft industry organizations. The
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently awarded Flexjet
with its fourth consecutive Diamond Award for its commitment to
outstanding aircraft maintenance. Another tribute came from the
Flight Safety Foundation, which recently published the results of
an operational safety audit that called the Bombardier Flexjet
Training Center, "the best facility in the world operated by a
fractional management company for training flight crews members."
Other dynamic organizations like the PGA TOUR and the Indy Racing
League have recently selected Bombardier for its ability to
deliver complete transportation solutions, which also include
Skyjet(R), its on-line charter provider; a complete line of new
business aircraft; used aircraft sales; as well as world-class
customer service and training.
About Bombardier Flexjet
Established in 1995 and based in Dallas, Texas, Bombardier Flexjet
offers a turnkey program allowing individuals or companies to
purchase a share in a Bombardier business jet at a fraction of the
full ownership cost. Flexjet owners simply select the most
appropriate aircraft type for their needs, determine the number of
hours per year they need to fly, and purchase shares of the
Bombardier business jets starting at a share size of 1/16th (equal
to 50 hours flying per year). Flexjet guarantees 24-hour access to
its fleet with as little as four hours notice and can fly into ten
times the number of airports available to commercial flights,
giving its passengers maximum travel flexibility. Owners pay
predictable monthly management and usage fees, while Bombardier
Flexjet manages aircraft maintenance, flight crews, hangars, fuel
and insurance on their behalf.
Flexjet is the only fractional provider that fields the complete
family of Bombardier business jets, including the Learjet 31A,
Learjet 45, Learjet 60 and Challenger 604. The Bombardier
Challenger 300 and Learjet 45 XR and the Learjet 40 will be added
to the fleet in 2003.
Bombardier Aerospace, a unit of Bombardier Inc., is a world leader
in the design, and manufacture of innovative aviation products and
provides services for the regional, business and amphibious
aircraft markets. It also offers Bombardier Flexjet fractional
ownership, aircraft charter and management, technical services,
aircraft maintenance and pilot training for business, regional
airline and military customers.
Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and services company,
is a world-leading manufacturer of business jets, regional
aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational
products. It also provides financial services and asset management
in business areas aligned with its core expertise. Headquartered
in Montreal, Canada, the Corporation has a workforce of some
80,000 people in 24 countries throughout the Americas, Europe and
Asia-Pacific. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2002
stood at $21.6 billion Cdn. Bombardier trades on the Toronto,
Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F).
(R) Registered trademarks of Bombardier Inc.
Note to Editors:
For more information on Bombardier Flexjet, and its comprehensive
range of business aircraft and travel services, visit the
company's web site at www.flexjet.com.
For more information on Bombardier Aerospace at NBAA, please visit
www.Aeroshow.com |
